Population dynamics of a natural red deer population over 200 years detected via substantial changes of genetic variation.

ABSTRACT: Most large mammals have constantly been exposed to anthropogenic influence over decades or even centuries. Because of their long generation times and lack of sampling material, inferences of past population genetic dynamics, including anthropogenic impacts, have only relied on the analysis of the structure of extant populations. Here, we investigate for the first time the change in the genetic constitution of a natural red deer population over two centuries, using up to 200-year-old antlers (30 generations) stored in trophy collections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the oldest DNA source ever used for microsatellite population genetic analyses. We demonstrate that government policy and hunting laws may have strong impacts on populations that can lead to unexpectedly rapid changes i

SUBMITTER: Hoffmann GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4828584 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature